English Pearlware Pottery Blue and White Jug

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The Everyday and the Artistic: An English Pearlware Jug,
Circa 1820–30

This large and charming English pearlware jug is a … Read more The Everyday and the Artistic: An English Pearlware Jug,
Circa 1820–30

This large and charming English pearlware jug is a testament to the blend of folk artistry and industrial innovation that characterized ceramic production in the early 19th century. Dating to circa 1820–30, the piece is made from pearlware, a type of earthenware developed by Josiah Wedgwood in the late 1770s. Pearlware was distinguished by its whiter, more refined body compared to traditional creamware, achieved by adding a small amount of cobalt to the lead glaze. This innovation provided an ideal canvas for the vibrant colors of underglaze painting, as seen on this jug.

The jug's appeal lies in its "folky" and seemingly uninhibited decoration. On one side, a lively array of underglaze blue flowers is painted with a loose and expressive hand, celebrating a simple, naturalistic theme. The other side presents a fascinating contrast: a modernistic, stylized drape design that hints at a more abstract and geometric approach to decoration. This juxtaposition of traditional floral motifs with a more contemporary, minimalist pattern is a hallmark of decorative wares from this period, which often borrowed freely from a variety of aesthetic influences. The broad, free strokes of the painting give the jug a unique, handcrafted feel, distinguishing it from the more formal, mass-produced designs of the era.

This pearlware jug is more than a functional object; it is a piece of social and artistic history. It represents the creative freedom of the ceramic decorators who painted these wares, bringing a personal touch to items destined for everyday use. Its size and robust form suggest it was a staple in a household kitchen or dining room, holding water, ale, or cider. Its survival today in such excellent condition offers a direct connection to the domestic life of the early 19th century and a beautiful example of how ceramic artistry found expression in humble, utilitarian forms.

Dimensions: 8 1/2 inches high x 7 1/2 inches deep x 10 1/4 inches in length.

(Ref: NY7247-nam) See less